WHEN  it comes to science stuff, the Philippines has provided significant contributions to both local and global areas. The discovery of several remarkable innovations and inventions was due to the brilliant scientists behind them all.

Moreover, they can conduct more studies and research to develop solutions and exciting discoveries.

Here are the 10 Filipino scientists who have significantly contributed to the science field:

Alfredo Lagmay (+)

Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay was a National Research Council member. He specialized in experimental psychology and was notable for introducing behavioral studies and hypnosis techniques for relaxation. And among his many contributions, the most significant one was his research on how specific changes happen in human behavior and how that particular behavior could treat mental illnesses in the long run. With this, he helped many people establish behavior therapy as another effective treatment option for specific conditions.

Angel Alcala

Have you ever heard of the artificial coral reefs used for fisheries in Southeast Asia? Well, Angel Alcala was the one who invented it. With his notable contribution to biological sciences, his research on the Philippine amphibians and reptiles was honored, making his name appear in the Asian Scientists 100 by The Asian Scientist Magazine (ASM). Also, his fieldwork in building sanctuaries and promoting biodiversity in the Philippines’ aquatic system has made him one of the outstanding National Scientists in the Philippines.

Edgardo Gomez (+)

Marine biology was the field of specialization of Edgardo Gomez. He led the first-ever national-scale assessment of damage to coral reefs worldwide, placing him in 9th place for the Asian Scientists 100 magazine. With this excellent initiative in protecting and replanting the corals in the sea, he was awarded the National Scientist in 2014 and received a fantastic package, like a lifetime pension.

Fe del Mundo (+)

Regarding the child healthcare system, Fe del Mundo was a notable Pediatrics pioneer. She founded the first pediatric Philippine hospital and focused on addressing what the country lacked regarding medical equipment in specific communities like rural areas. And among her remarkable contributions to the Filipino people, an incubator made out of bamboo is her most famous invention. She has specifically designed the equipment so people who live in places without electrical power can regulate the temperature of their infants well.

Gavino Trono

Just like Gomez, Gavino also specializes in Marine Biology. He was even known as the “Father of Seaweed Diversity” or the “Father of Kappaphycus Farming.” So it is because he made a significant contribution to tropical marine psychology through his thorough research of seaweed biodiversity. Through his research, we can increase our knowledge of the diversity of seaweed plants all over Asia and their role in the marine ecosystem.

Geminiano de Ocampo (+)

Geminiano de Ocampo is the only National Scientist in the Philippines specializing in ophthalmology. With his knowledge of eye care, he was the first person to diagnose and treat specific eye problems in the country. He was the one who established the very first Philippine eye hospital to help Filipinos get quality eye care. His corneal dissector is one of the essential innovations, revolutionizing corneal transplant surgery.

Gregorio Velasquez (+)

When we talk about phycology in the country, one name is linked to it, and it is Gregorio Velasquez. He is one of the many Filipinos who received the title of National Scientist due to his remarkable contributions to the field of Science. Regarding his research, Velasquez extensively focuses on marine algae, where he has devised a way to tell which is which through their unique characteristics.

Gregorio Zara (+)

Engineering and inventions that is what Gregorio Zara is known for. He was a scientist and engineer in the country, passionate about Science and technology. His most significant invention was the videophone, which he patented together with 30 other devices for better and more convenient communication among people.

Julian Banzon (+)

As a pioneer in renewable energy, Julian Banzon uses his skill in producing alternative fuels through his research methods. As he specialized in chemistry, it was easy for him to do this incredible innovation, and he was even known for extracting resident coconut oil from the fruit. With his outstanding research, he was able to help people not solely to rely on fossil fuels.

Ramon Barba (+)

Horticulture is what Ramon Barba is best recognized for. He even led the Filipino scientists as he ranked third on the Asian Scientists 100 list. Barba developed technology for inducing mangoes to flower out of season and all year round. Aside from mangoes, Barba does other research on fruits and vegetables such as sugarcane, bananas, calamansi, etc.

Conclusion

Filipino scientists are the future of Asia’s science and technology innovations. They continue to inspire us even after some have long gone. But with those who are still active, we can also derive inspiration from them and gain possible ideas to make science work more meaningful. With so many brilliant minds in the country, we expect to see more successful research that can best address underlying issues in the Philippines and even the world.

Source: DOSTv website https://www.dostv.ph/ today.

(Filed by Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)